It can sometimes be difficult to get a wood fire burning, but Fireplace Doors Online has solved this conundrum for you with our collection of fire starters!

Gas log lighters can ignite a toasty blaze in no time - even if the power is out! With a simple connection to a professionally installed fuel line (natural gas or propane) and the turn of a valve key, gas is delivered into the pipe. Using a long-stemmed lighter, you can ignite the fuel as it escapes from the precision-drilled port holes and have your wood kindled in seconds! We have a great selection of stainless steel and cast iron gas log lighters, designed by top manufacturers in the fireplace industry, such as Dante and Blue Flame.

Not sure what size gas log lighter you'll need?

We can answer that question for you! First, please know that it is important to place a grate over your log lighter. This will keep the firewood and flames away from the starter pipe and avoid damage. Typically, a gas log lighter should be the same length as the width of your fireplace log grate. Depending on the type of fireplace you have (masonry or prefab), the clearances from the grate and starter pipe to the interior walls of the firebox will be different. However, even a small log lighter will do the trick, since it's sole purpose is to assist in lighting fire wood. Once the flames are going, the gas flow should be shut off.

Determining log lighter size for masonry fireplaces: There is no minimum clearance from the firebox walls to the log grate, which means the width of the log grate is up to the homeowner's preference. For example, if a masonry fireplace opening is 37 inches wide, the homeowner may choose a log grate that is 36 inches wide. Therefore, the maximum length of the gas log lighter should also be 36 inches long. However, we typically recommend a 3 inch clearance on all sides of the log grate just to be on the safe side.

Determining log lighter size for wood burning zero clearance fireplaces: In this case, the distance between the firebox walls and the log grate is much more restricted. If the prefab fireplace has a back width of 37 inches wide, you would need to subtract 6 inches to allow for clearance on both sides of the grate. Therefore, the fireplace grate can only measure a maximum of 31 inches, and the gas log lighter must be no longer than 31 inches wide.

For more information on installing a gas log lighter in your wood burning fireplace, please CLICK HERE to read our blog article on this subject, which includes a free infographic!

PLEASE NOTE:
Gas log lighters are not meant to be used as a decorative gas appliance. It is simply intended to ignite fireplace logs and should be shut off once your wood is burning.

The Pros & Cons of Using A Fireplace Log Lighter

It's a satisfying feeling to see flames dance across fresh cut logs in your fireplace - especially if getting those logs lit was a quick and easy chore. Those of us that burn wood, though, know that building a good fire can take time, patience, and a lot of kindling. Fireplace log lighters can be a convenient alternative to the classic fire starting practices. We've compiled a list of the pros and cons of log lighters to let you be the judge if one is right for you.

Pro #1: The Prep

No twisting, crumpling, and stuffing papers between logs.

No splitting slivers of wood from your logs for kindling.

No need to make little fire starters from dryer lint and candle wax.

Con #1: The Prep

In order to have a log lighter in your wood burning fireplace, you'll need to install a gas line to your fireplace. A natural gas or liquid propane hard line will need to be installed by a certified gas technician, adding to your initial prep costs, along with the materials for the installation: gas line, elbows, nipples, valve, key, flange.

Pro #2: Starting Your Fire

Just set the logs on the wood grate over the log lighter, turn the key to open the gas line, toss in a lit match, and the fire lights around your logs. After the logs have caught on fire, turn the valve key to close the gas line, and enjoy the crackling wood fire before you.

Con #2: Starting Your Fire

As with any gas product, we must caution you to carefully follow the operating instructions. For your safety, ensure that the gas line is fully shut off when not in use. A fireplace grate is needed to hold your logs above your fire starter, preventing the logs from damaging it.

Pro #3: Using Your Fire Starter Pipe

Lighting fires the old way could take a long time. Just when you'd think your fire was finally lit, it would fizzle out and you'd have to start over again. With a fireplace log lighter you'll get strong flames immediately that will easily catch your logs on fire.

Con #3: Using Your Fire Starter Pipe

Misuse of this product - by using it as a gas burner instead of a fire starter, can cause permanent damage to a zero clearance fireplace. It is unsafe to use the log lighter as a fireplace burner. It is intended to only be used for a short period of time - creating the flames needed to fully light the logs in your fireplace.

Wondering how to perform routine maintenance and prepare your gas log lighter for the fire burning season? CLICK HERE to read more about our recommendations for log lighter maintenance!

We hope we've helped you come to a decision whether a log lighter is right for you and your home. These are just a few of the pros and cons that we came up with. Do you know of any others? Let us know in the comments.

FAQs

What is the flap on the side of the log lighter used for?

The flap on the side of the log lighter is for mixing a proper ratio of air with natural gas or propane. Things such as supply pressure and altitude can change how the gas burns. It may become too weak, too strong, or even too yellow and dirty, so bit of oxygen may be added or removed via the air mixing port to correct these symptoms.

Do I need an air mixer to use propane?

If your fireplace or burner is a natural gas unit that can be converted to liquid propane, you will need an air mixer. These devices use the pressure of the fuel line and added air to transform the liquid into a fine mist that acts similar to the natural gas. PLEASE NOTE: not all gas units can be converted to liquid propane! It is important to know this before obtaining propane components. Please consultant with certified gas professional before attempting this conversion on your own.

What is the difference between cast iron log lighters and steel fireplace log lighters?

Cast iron is a very resilient metal and makes a perfect material for a fireplace starter system. This is because cast iron has a very high tolerance for heat and possess the ability to withstand even the hottest fires. We offer a few models of log lighters that are made entirely from cast iron. These models also feature an ash protection baffle with better orifices than a standard steel starter. Steel fireplace lighters on the other hand feature a standard starter pipe without an ash baffle. The steel lighters can still stand the heat due to their cast iron supply module, but not quite as much on the actual starter pipe. The advantage is that steel models are usually less costly than cast iron.

How do I clean a gas fireplace starter pipe?

Let the log lighter system cool completely and turn the gas supply OFF.

Next, the starter pipe or cast log lighter must be removed from the firebox, being careful not to allow ash into any exposed gas supply lines or valves.

After the lighter is removed, a piece of masking tape can be placed over the end of the gas supply or valve to prevent debris from entering.

Because ash buildup will be present, we advise you to use a mask for respiratory protection. Cleaning is best performed in an outside or well ventilated area.

The log lighter can be tapped against a surface to knock the ash out from inside the log lighter. Sometimes a piece of heavy wire is needed to loosen any internal buildup.

Once the inside is cleaned out to your liking, check the holes in the starter pipe. You can use another piece of wire or even a wooden skewer to poke out debris from any clogged holes.

Before you re-install the lighter, ensure there is no ash remaining in the holes or the lighter itself.

Remove the masking tape from the gas supply, reconnect, and test the operation of the log lighter.

In general, we recommend a stainless steel log starter for your outdoor fireplace or wood fire pit. This is because stainless will not rust in the elements like other standard steels and cast iron will. Also, the high heat of a fire will expedite the rusting and degradation process if the log starter is not a stainless model. Choosing a stainless log lighter is the right choice for any outdoor fire application. Click here for more information on using a log lighter in your outdoor fire feature!